AFSCME: Contract talks at standstill

Wednesday

Sep 26, 2012 at 12:01 AMSep 26, 2012 at 1:28 AM

SPRINGFIELD -- Contract talks between Illinois state government and its largest employee union are at a “virtual standstill” over concessions demanded by Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration, the union said in an email to members.

DOUG FINKE

SPRINGFIELD -- Contract talks between Illinois state government and its largest employee union are at a “virtual standstill” over concessions demanded by Gov. Pat Quinn’s administration, the union said in an email to members.

The email, first reported on the Capitol Fax blog, also said the only way a fair contract will be negotiated “is through direct action at the worksite and in the community.”

The email is the latest sign of difficulty in contract talks, which have been dragging on for months, between the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and state officials

AFSCME’s last contract expired June 30, but the union and state agreed to keep the terms in force while talks continued on a new one.

“Negotiations for a new state contract are at a virtual standstill as the Quinn administration continues to press for massive concessions that would take thousands of dollars out of union members’ pockets,” the email said. “Governor Quinn’s position is an insult to every state employee, demonstrating in no uncertain terms how little he values the vital services that the government provides to citizens.”

$10,000 in cuts

According to the email, the administration wants to move every employee down two pay grades in the first year of the contract and then freeze wages and step increases for two more years.

The email also said the administration is pressing for changes in employee health care that will “drastically increase employee health care costs.”

Between the pay reduction and higher insurance costs, many employees could see pay cuts of as much as $10,000 next year, the email said.

AFSCME spokesman Anders Lindall declined to discuss details of the email, saying it is an internal document intended only for members.

Quinn budget spokesman Abdon Pallasch said the state can no longer afford the salaries and benefits being paid to state workers.

“The union of state government employees fails to recognize that the salaries and benefits the average state employee receives are unsustainable and at levels far exceeding the salaries and benefits of other unionized state workers across the country,” Pallasch said in a statement. “Negotiations continue, and under all of the changes being discussed at the table, health insurance rates and benefits would still be better than the benefits employees receive in the private sector and in other states.”

The email also raises questions about the status of contract negotiations. The two sides agreed earlier this summer to bring an independent mediator into the talks.

The union email, though, said the state refused to participate in negotiations scheduled for Sept. 10-12 because no mediator would be present.

“The next bargaining session is scheduled for Oct. 1-3. However, there is still no agreement on a mediator and one may not be available for that session either,” the message said.

No mediator

Lindall confirmed that the two sides agreed on a mediator several weeks ago. However, the mediator bowed out after he realized he would not be able to devote the necessary time to the talks, Lindall said. The two sides are searching for a replacement.

“The continuing deadlock at the negotiating table makes crystal clear that the only way state employees will gain a fair contract is through direct action at the worksite and in the community,” the email concludes.

AFSCME protesters have shadowed Quinn when he makes public appearances. Lindall said that will continue.

“I don’t think it’s any secret that our members have been repeatedly and falsely blamed and attacked by Pat Quinn personally and that they have been coming together to hold the governor accountable,” Lindall said. “We’ve made it very clear that, wherever the governor goes, that we’ll be there to hold him accountable and demand that he tells the truth.”

Doug Finke can be reached at (217) 788-1527.

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